The Perfect Match
Electric Assist and Recumbent Cycle: Made for Each Other!
No other type of bicycle is as perfectly compatible with electric motors as a recumbent bike or trike. Why, is obvious: The ease of pedaling in the ergonomic sitting position makes the ride even more pleasant. The built-in aerodynamic advantage of your recumbent bike or trike can also be leveraged electrically. Less drag means more range. As a unique safety advantage our E-Trikes (electric tricycles) can be equipped with a turn signal!
Depending on which electric drive system on the bike or trike you pedal, a powerful motor supports you up to four times your pedaling power, depending on the system. With a smile on your face, you can climb the local mountain with a trailer or drive to work quickly and effortlessly.
Especially remarkable is that the perfect pedaling experience does not change with the motor. Thanks to HP Velotechnik programming and impeccable engineering, there is no stuttering, no noise, and no delicate throttle. The e-drive is very safe and the support only starts when you want it to. It starts as soon as you pedal and ends subtly through electronic sensors when the trike reaches 25 km/h (16 mph) respectively for USA 32 km/h (20 mph, Class 1 electric bicycle).
Systems no longer in use (archive):
This pre-programmed top speed allows your E-Bike or E-Trike to legally conform to a Pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle) in Europe. It can be ridden in most EU countries without registration, helmet, or license plate. Once over 25 km/h (16 mph), your electric recumbent basically rides like a normal bicycle. (Higher supported speeds up to 45 km/h respectively 28 mph can be reached with our Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec and Speedmachine S-Pedelec)
The light weight of the electric recumbent allows a normal riding feeling, even when the battery is drained. When climbing, our trikes have in addition the advantage that they keep their track even at slower speeds. If you stop at a traffic light, you even don’t need to set foot on the ground!
Drive Systems With Character
We Provide Extra Power for Your Trike
Find a solution tailored precisely to your needs.
You have the choice, because these four different drive systems provide extra power on your recumbent: either the extremely quiet hub motor Z20 from Neodrives in the rear wheel or one of the three bottom bracket motors from Shimano’s STEPS series,which are transformed in the recumbent bike from a middle to a front engine.
For each of our electric motors up to two gear options are available to perfectly match the additional electrical power. This also applies to the Neodrives Z20 RS, which is available as a separate option exclusively for our Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec and Speeedmachine S-Pedelec.
Each of these four powerhouses has its own character – just like you. This enables us to offer you a solution that is exactly tailored to your needs. All systems have in common the low centre of gravity of the battery. The E-Trikes can also accommodate a second battery. Just like a mini-dashboard the ergonomically arranged, easy-to-read operating elements facilitate the rider’s technical monitoring. You reach your destination relaxed, no matter if you want to leave the traffic jam behind or take a big tour with heavy luggage.
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Our Electric Drives
Combine our power units with the gearing that best suits your needs!
Shimano STEPS E5000
Shimano STEPS E6100
Shimano STEPS EP801 Cargo
This performance solution from the STEPS series is designed for hilly terrain and calls for performance and range on the drivetrain side. You have the choice between the precise 10-speed Sram GX derailleur, the stepless shifting Enviolo Trekking Automatiq internal hub or the legendary 14-speed Rohloff Speedhub.
Shimano STEPS EP8
We have reintroduced the powerful predecessor of the STEPS EP801 to the range at short notice and can offer it in combination with the electric 11-speed derailleur XT Di2 from Shimano at an attractive price - especially with the commuter models of our Special Edition.
neodrives Z20 & Z20 RS
Which electric drive suits me best?
neodrives Z20 and Shimano STEPS in comparison
Smooth and comfortable: The STEPS E5000 has a very harmonious feel with a torque of 40 Nm. In combination with the 8-speed Sram X4 derailleur, you have a good companion for relaxed tours in moderately demanding terrain. If, on the other hand, you often drive in hilly terrain or in the city with frequent starts and stops, the STEPS E6100 with 60 Nm and the Nexus Di2 automatic transmission from Shimano is the perfect choice. The rear hub shifts fully automatically and thus offers maximum comfort and safety: You can fully concentrate on the road without having to think about shifting gears.
If you want endless power on the mountain or want to turn your trike into a packhorse, you will quickly become a fan of the STEPS EP801 Cargo system with 85 newton meters. Regardless of the torque specifications, which can only be compared to a limited extent, the most important factor for many people is how much thrust the engine develops at low speeds. Here, the EP801 Cargo version and the Neodrives hub motor go head-to-head. Beyond all power comparisons, the Neodrives Z20 scores with a highly sensitively tuned driving behavior. Nature lovers will appreciate the practically inaudible power plant in the rear wheel.
In contrast to hub motors, the bottom bracket drive doesn’t know the meaning of overheating when driving slowly on a very steep mountain. On those uphill grades, you are always well protected with Shimano STEPS. By the way:comfortable uphill riding is an established engineering domain of our stable trikes.
All four electric assist systems offer impressive ranges. Invest even less thought into the location of your next power outlet with our optional extra battery. Neodrives wins the comfort rating in this exciting area. Instead of switching batteries, you simply switch a single cable.
Technical data
Facts & figures about our electric drives
Shimano STEPS E5000 | Shimano STEPS E6100 | Shimano STEPS EP801 Cargo | neodrives Z20 | neodrives Z20 RS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available for | all tricycles
except S-Pedelec | all tricycles
except S-Pedelec | all tricycles
except S-Pedelec | all two- and three-wheelers
except S-Pedelec | |
Support | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 45 km/h (28 mph) |
Push assist | up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) | up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) | up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) | up to 4 km/h (2.5 mph) | up to 4 km/h (2.5 mph) |
Reverse gear* | – | – | – | up to 3 km/h (1.8 mph), only for trikes | – |
Range** | up to 189 km (117 miles) (up to 463 km / 288 miles with additional battery, folding function restricted) | up to 177 km (110 miles) (up to 433 km / 269 miles with additional battery, folding function restricted) | tbc.*** (range with additional battery tbc., additional battery, folding function restricted) | up to 136 km (84 miles) | up to 60 km (37 miles) (up to 120 km / 75 miles with additional battery, folding function restricted) |
Force amplification | 3 levels: Eco / Normal / High | 3 levels: Eco / Normal / High | 3 levels: Eco / Trail / Boost | 5 levels | 5 levels |
Noise level | silent bottom bracket motor | silent bottom bracket motor | very silent bottom bracket motor | extremely silent hub motor | extremely silent hub motor |
Max. torque | 40 Nm (at the front motor) | 60 Nm (at the front motor) | 85 Nm (at the front motor) | 40 Nm (at the rear wheel) | 40 Nm (at the rear wheel) |
Rated power | 250 W | 250 W | 250 W | 250 W | 400 W |
Maximum power | 420 W | 400 W | 600 W | 450 W | 1000 W |
Support | up to 200 % | up to 200 % | up to 400 % | up to 300 % | up to 400 % |
Battery | Shimano 36 V Li-Ion
removable, with lock | Shimano 36 V Li-Ion
removable, with lock | Shimano 36 V Li-Ion
removable, with lock | BMZ 36 V Li-Ion
removable, with lock | BMZ 48 V Li-Ion
removable, with lock |
Energy content | 418 Wh | 418 Wh | 418 Wh | 576 Wh | 651 Wh |
Battery weight | 2,6 kg (5.7 lbs) | 2,6 kg (5.7 lbs) | 2,6 kg (5.7 lbs) | 3,5 kg (7.7 lbs) | 4,2 kg (9.2 lbs) |
Battery life | 800 – 1000 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles |
Charger | Shimano 2 A | Shimano 2 A | Shimano 2 A | BMZ fast charger 4 A | BMZ fast charger 4 A |
Charging time | 6,5 hours (3,5 hours 80%)
without memory effect | 6,5 hours (3,5 hours 80%)
without memory effect | 6,5 hours (3,5 hours 80%)
without memory effect | 4 hours
without memory effect | 4,5 hours
without memory effect |
Charger weight | 0,5 kg (1.1 lbs) | 0,5 kg (1.1 lbs) | 0,5 kg (1.1 lbs) | 0,85 kg (1.9 lbs) | 1,08 kg (2.4 lbs) |
Additional weight | ca. 8,2 kg (18.1 lbs) | ca. 8,5 kg (18.7 lbs) | ca. 8,1 kg (17.9 lbs) | ca. 8,7 kg (19.2 lbs) | – |
Display | black&white display
above the handlebar grip
(Top View) | black&white display
above the handlebar grip
(Top View) | colour display above
the handlebar grip (Top View) | colour display above
the handlebar grip (Top View)
or to the side | colour display above
the handlebar grip (Top View)
or to the side |
Extras | optionally with big battery pack (630 Wh) and fast charger (4 A; 2,5 hours: 50 %); on option additional battery (630 Wh)
Bluetooth interface | optionally with big battery pack (630 Wh) and fast charger (4 A; 2,5 hours: 50 %); on option additional battery (630 Wh)
Bluetooth interface | optionally with big battery pack (630 Wh) and fast charger (4 A; 2,5 hours: 50 %); on option additional battery (630 Wh)
Bluetooth interface with Fine tune mode | Touchscreen, USB interface, Bluetooth interface, on option additional battery (576 Wh) | Touchscreen, USB interface, Bluetooth interface, on option additional battery (576 Wh) |
* Function requires initial backward movement.
** Range as stated by manufacturer:
Shimno STEPS E5000, E6100 and EP801 Cargo: support mode Eco, flat terrain, 23 km/h, system weight 105 kg (231 lbs),
outside temperature 23°, without electric gearing and light (standard battery with 418 Wh).
Neodrives Z20: 100 W rider input, support level 1, flat terrain, smooth roads, 70 kg (154 lbs) payload incl. rider; Neodrives Z20 RS: support level 3 in optimal
conditions (flat terrain, temperature 20°, even ride, pedalling power driver 80 W, speed 39 km/h (24,2 mph); with support level 5 up to about 40 km (24.9 miles).
*** Manufacturer’s information was not yet available.
